Wool Painted
​Animal Portraits

"The American Buffalo"
90% wool/10% acrylic fibers
​North American Wildlife Series
There was a time when the hooves of the buffalo beat like a drum across the plains, but during the winter of 1872-1873, over 1.5 million were slaughtered for hides alone; an estimated 5,000 buffalo killed each day for the next three years. By 1884, only an estimated *325 had survived. All that remained of this fiercely proud beast were the eyes of one who had seen the heights to which men can soar and the depths to which they can fall. 
​The American Buffalo

Welcome

I paint with wool and my brush is a tiny needle.

Wool painting is an incredibly expressive form of art. Sometimes, as with "The American Buffalo", I use wool. Julia was a seven year old ewe from Spring Grove Fiber Farm, MN, when her shorn wool found it's way into this piece. Other times, as with "Going Home", two Golden Retriever sisters, Luna & Samantha, crossed the rainbow within five weeks of each other and their beautiful, red fur comprises 65% of their portrait as an exquisite memorial. 

No matter the fiber or fur, each portrait was created to express an emotion. Each portrait featured here will have a snippet of what inspired it's creation. Most often, a human emotion or attribute played out in the animal's expression. 

Giclee paper and canvas prints may be purchased in my shop - occasionally an original may be released and available for purchase. Some select works are also featured on high quality paper as blank cards. I personally enjoy the old fashioned form of mailing handwritten notes! Commissioned works or memorial portraits are by request.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoy my perspective of the world around us as you view my work. ​
Stephanie Kelley
​The Furry Artist
*American Buffalo estimates and statistics provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.